Camp Bowen

Do you like to write poems, stories, or flash fiction? If so, we want to hear from you. You do not need to be a resident of Bowen Island or a member of the organization to participate.

The Camp Bowen Society and the Bowen Island Accessibility Group are seeking story, poetry, and/or flash fiction submissions for a writing challenge. Submissions are open in two community categories: Blind, Low Vision, and Deafblind Children and Youth Ages 13 to 18 and Blind, Low Vision, and Deafblind Adults Ages 19+.

Please note: If you are looking for our writing challenge for Bowen Island writers, go here.

All stories, poems, and flash fiction entries will be included in one of four freely distributed ebooks based on their community category. If you participate, you will be entered in a draw for a $25 gift card. Each category will have one winner. Winners can receive a gift card to either iTunes, Google Play, or a age-appropriate Bowen Island business of their choosing.

The rules are as follows:

1. No racism or discrimination
2. No plagiarism
3. Keep any submissions 10,000 words or less
4. Only one poem, one flash fiction entry, and/or one short story per submitter
5. For submissions in the child and youth category, all submissions must be family friendly

Submitting before the June 30, 2020 deadline is easy. Just send your submissions along with your name, city, pen name (if different), age, and community category (from the above list) to <community@campbowen.ca> or send the same via the contact form at:
< a href="https://campbowen.ca/contact/" target="_blank">https://campbowen.ca/contact/

FAQs

Question: Will I retain ownership and copyright over my work?

Answer: Yes. You keep 100% of the ownership and copyright over your work. The Camp Bowen Society and Camp Bowen Books, our publisher, make no claim to your work.

Question: Is my subject matter too dark, complicated, or heavy for this challenge?

Answer: We want writing that represents all stripes of life. This can include heavy and complex subjects. If you have a particular question about your submission ideas, please reach out and we can discuss.

Question: How will my story be credited?

Answer: Entries in the children and youth category will be credited as first name, last initial, and age(e.g. “John S. – Age 7”), while adult entries will be credited as first and last name (e.g. “John Smith”). If you would like us to include your city, please let us know.

Question: Is there a chance my story, flash fiction, and/or poem won’t be published?

Answer: While we will make every effort to publish all submissions, we retain the right to not publish a particular entry. It is unlikely that most entries will fall into this category. If we consider not publishing an entry for any reason, we will reach out to the writer to work with them to correct anything that may make it unsuitable for publication.

Happy writing,
The Camp Bowen Team

Do you like to write poems, stories, or flash fiction? If so, we want to hear from you. You do not need to be blind or have a disability to participate.

The Camp Bowen Society and the Bowen Island Accessibility Group are seeking story, poetry, and/or flash fiction submissions for a writing challenge. Submissions are open in two community categories: Bowen Island Children and Youth Ages 13 to 18 and Bowen Island Adults Ages 19+.

If you are looking for our writing challenge for Blind, Low Vision, and Deafblind Writers in Canada, go here.

All stories, poems, and flash fiction entries will be included in one of four freely distributed ebooks based on their community category. If you participate, you will be entered in a draw for a $25 gift card. Each category will have one winner. Adults can receive a gift card to a Bowen Business of their choice. Children and youth can receive a gift card to Phoenix , iTunes, Google Play, or a child/youth-friendly Bowen business of their choice.

The rules are as follows:

1. No racism or discrimination
2. No plagiarism
3. Keep any submissions 10,000 words or less
4. Only one poem, one flash fiction entry, and/or one short story per submitter
5. For submissions in the child and youth category, all submissions must be family friendly

Submitting before the June 30, 2020 deadline is easy. Just send your submissions along with your name, city, pen name (if different), age, and community category (from the above list) to <community@campbowen.ca> or send the same via the contact form at:
< a href="https://campbowen.ca/contact/" target="_blank">https://campbowen.ca/contact/

FAQs

Question: Will I retain ownership and copyright over my work?

Answer: Yes. You keep 100% of the ownership and copyright over your work. The Camp Bowen Society and Camp Bowen Books, our publisher, make no claim to your work.

Question: Is my subject matter too dark, complicated, or heavy for this challenge?

Answer: We want writing that represents all stripes of life. This can include heavy and complex subjects. If you have a particular question about your submission ideas, please reach out and we can discuss.

Question: How will my story be credited?

Answer: Entries in the children and youth category will be credited as first name, last initial, and age(e.g. “John S. – Age 7”), while adult entries will be credited as first and last name (e.g. “John Smith”). If you would like us to include your city, please let us know.

Question: Is there a chance my story, flash fiction, and/or poem won’t be published?

Answer: While we will make every effort to publish all submissions, we retain the right to not publish a particular entry. It is unlikely that most entries will fall into this category. If we consider not publishing an entry for any reason, we will reach out to the writer to work with them to correct anything that may make it unsuitable for publication.

Happy writing,
The Camp Bowen Team

Do you like to write poems or short stories? If so, we want to hear from you.

The Camp Bowen Society and the Bowen Island Accessibility Group are seeking short story or poetry submissions for a writing challenge. Submissions are open in four community categories:

1. Blind, low vision, or Deafblind children and youth ages 3 to 18 from across Canada
2. Bowen Island children and youth ages 3 to 18
3. Blind, low vision, or Deafblind adults ages 19+ from across Canada
4. Bowen Island adults ages 19+

All stories will be included in one of four freely distributed ebooks based on their community category. The rules are as follows:

1. Keep it family friendly
2. No plagiarism
3. Keep any submissions 10,000 words or less
4. Only one poem and one short story per submitter

Submitting before the April 30, 2020 deadline is easy. Just send your submissions along with your name, city, pen name (if different), age, and community category (from the above list) to <community@campbowen.ca> or send the same via the contact form at:
< a href="https://campbowen.ca/contact/" target="_blank">https://campbowen.ca/contact/

Entries in the children and youth category will be credited as first name, last initial, and age(e.g. “John S. – Age 7”), while adult entries will be credited as first and last name (e.g. “John Smith”). If you would like us to include your city, please let us know.

Happy writing,
The Camp Bowen Team

Taken in 2018 at the Camp Bowen pub night fundraiser at Moose's Down Under in Vancouver, this staff photo features the Board of Directors of the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired. From left to right: Alex Jurgensen, Jessica Gladysz, Jocelyn Gladysz, Peg Mercer, Sara Batt, and Aedan Staddon.

Dear Bowen Island Community,

Please note: The simplest way to help with COVID19 responses from home is by letting anyone not on social media who you think may benefit know about our services and the services other on-island organizations are doing. Many folks are not connected online and will miss out on important updates.

Please note: If you would like to volunteer for any of the below tasks, it would be greatly appreciated. To do so, please use the contact information at the bottom of this article.

During these troubled times we wanted to reach out and let you know what the Bowen Island Accessibility Group and the Camp Bowen Society are doing to aid the community response to the Corona Virus outbreak (COVID19). Camp Bowen has called Bowen home since 1963 and you have always been there for us. Bowen Islanders have a habit of looking out for one another and that is one of the things that makes Bowen the amazing community it is. We hope the below information will help our fellow islanders cope with COVID19.

Who is the Bowen Island Accessibility Group?

The Bowen Island Accessibility Group (BIAG) is a community outreach program lead by the Camp Bowen Society and designed to bring Bowen Islanders together to find creative solutions to the accessibility challenges on Bowen Island. We want to look at issues from the small to the really tough. BIAG also acts as a peer support network for Bowen Islanders with disabilities. It is this second aspect that we are expanding upon during our response to the Corona Virus outbreak.

Who is the Camp Bowen Society?

The Camp Bowen Society is a not-for-profit organization probably best known for having taken over the operation of the blindness and Deafblindness summer camp programs from CNIB in mid 2010. The organization is involved in offering summer camps, independent living skills training, and outreach services.

What IS BIAG and the Camp Bowen Society Doing to Support Bowen Islanders During the Corona Virus Outbreak?

For those of us Bowen Islanders with disabilities or with compromised immune systems, the Corona Virus outbreak continues to present unique challenges as the days progress. The Bowen Island Accessibility Group and the Camp Bowen Society have rolled out several new initiatives for people with disabilities and those who are self-isolating to help the community response to the outbreak. They are listed below:

Text to Phone Relay

We are offering a text to phone call service (where a volunteer will call on a resident’s behalf and interpret for the resident via text message. This service is intended for Deaf residents of Bowen Island. Volunteers will be available to place calls from 9 AM to 9 PM Pacific. To access this service, please text +1 (778) 512-4721.

Phone Access to the Bowen Island Undercurrent

We have made available the Bowen Island Undercurrent over the phone. those who cannot access the print or online edition of the paper due to isolation owing to the Corona Virus or who have a perceptual print disability can call +1 (604) 947-0021 and press 7 at the main menu to have the paper read to you.

Home Delivery and Medical Transport

We are currently able to match people with volunteers and other community resources that can help access supplies, community supports, and medical appointment transportation. To access this program, please see the contact information below. Please be aware that due to social distancing guidelines, we are only able to provide medical transportation services if the appointment cannot be postponed.

Contacting Us

Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything you need. You can reach the Bowen Island Accessibility Group and Camp Bowen Society through the Camp Bowen Community Outreach line at: +1 (604) 947-0021, extension 123, by email at: <biag@campbowen.ca>, or by joining the Bowen Island Accessibility Group’s Facebook group.

Together, we can help minimize the affects of this virus. We will continue to support our community, our home for more than 57 years, in any way we can. For updates and to keep up with new initiatives as we roll them out, please visit campbowen.ca or call +1 (604) 947-0021.

Stay safe,
The Camp Bowen Team

This will be a two-part update, one part for prospective volunteers and one for residents with disabilities and those with compromised immune systems.

Firstly, the Bowen Island Accessibility Group (BIAG), an initiative of the Camp Bowen Society to bring islanders together to create a more inclusive and accessible Bowen, is seeking volunteers during these troubled times to assist islanders with disabilities or compromised immune systems to ensure they have the supplies and communication supports they need during the Corona Virus (COVID19) outbreak. We are looking for volunteers who can pick up and drop off groceries both from in town and on-island stores, pharmacies, and other places where supplies are usually purchased. We are also looking for volunteers able to drive those needing rides to medical appointments (excluding those for Corona Virus testing). If interested, to help with either request, please contact the Bowen Island Accessibility Group through the Camp Bowen Community Outreach line at: +1 (604) 947-0021, extension 123, by email at: , or by joining the Bowen Island Accessibility Group Facebook group.

For those of us Bowen Islanders with disabilities or with compromised immune systems, the Bowen Island Accessibility Group is rolling out a volunteer match program to match people with volunteers that can help access the supplies, communication supports, and medical appointment transportation we need during the Corona Virus (COVID19) outbreak. We will also be offering a text to phone call service (where a volunteer will call on a resident’s behalf and interpret for the resident via text message) for Deaf residents of Bowen Island during this time. If you are a person with a disability or a compromised immune system and need anything please contact the Bowen Island Accessibility Group through the Camp Bowen Community Outreach line at: +1 (604) 947-0021, extension 123, by email at: , or by joining the Bowen Island Accessibility Group Facebook group, and we will see what we can do.

Together, we can help minimize the affects of this virus. For updates, please visit campbowen.ca.

If you know of someone who could benefit from this information but who may not have access to the internet, please share it with them. Together we can minimize the impact COVID19 will have.

During this time of social distancing, being encouraged to stay at home from non-essential outings, and stores being out of stock, it is important that we make sure everyone gets the supplies they need, especially if they are particularly susceptible to Corona Virus (COVID19). To that end, we are compiling a list of stores that offer phone or online ordering and delivery. These services are great for everyone but essential to those who are at most risk for COVID19.

If we are missing a service in your area or if you are able to help us research stores in your area, please get in touch.

We will update this list as more information becomes available.

National

Instacart

Stores

M and M Meats, Real Canadian Super Store, Shoppers Drug Mart, Staples, Wallmart, Your independent Grocer

Phone Ordering

No

Phone Number

N/A

Online Ordering

Yes

Website

Website

Areas

Various

BC

>

City of Burnaby’s Grocery Shop-by-Phone

Stores

Safeway

Phone Ordering

Yes

Phone Number

+1 (604( 294-7980

Online Ordering

No

Website

Volunteer Information

Areas

Burnaby

Description

Citizen Support Services in cooperation with Safeway offers a Shop-by-Phone Program to assist Burnaby senior residents who are living independently and are experiencing difficulties in getting out to do their weekly grocery shopping. Our volunteer phoners contact clients to get their grocery lists by Monday, and then on a Tuesday our volunteers shop the groceries for same day delivery.

Shop by Phone Grocery Program (Coastal)

Stores

Unknown

Phone Ordering

Yes

Phone Number

+1 (604) 885-8517

Online Ordering

No

Website

Website

Areas

Sechelt

Description

Provides homebound seniors and disabled adults help with their grocery shopping. Clients call a designated order line to place an order and volunteer grocery shoppers then pick up and deliver the groceries to the client’s home. The program allows clients to stay independent and remain in their own homes longer.

Shop by Phone Grocery Program (North Shore)

Stores

Unknown

Phone Ordering

Yes

Phone Number

+1 (604) 984-5929

Online Ordering

No

Website

Website

Areas

North Vancouver, West Vancouver

Description

Provides homebound seniors and disabled adults help with their grocery shopping. Clients call a designated order line to place an order and volunteer grocery shoppers then pick up and deliver the groceries to the client’s home. The program allows clients to stay independent and remain in their own homes longer.

Shop by Phone Grocery Program (Richmond)

Stores

Unknown

Phone Ordering

Yes

Phone Number

+1 (604) 244-5310

Online Ordering

No

Website

Website

Areas

Richmond

Description

Provides homebound seniors and disabled adults help with their grocery shopping. Clients call a designated order line to place an order and volunteer grocery shoppers then pick up and deliver the groceries to the client’s home. The program allows clients to stay independent and remain in their own homes longer.

Shop by Phone Grocery Program (Vancouver)

Stores

Unknown

Phone Ordering

Yes

Phone Number

+1 (604) 875-4608

Online Ordering

No

Website

Website

Areas

Vancouver

Description

Provides homebound seniors and disabled adults help with their grocery shopping. Clients call a designated order line to place an order and volunteer grocery shoppers then pick up and deliver the groceries to the client’s home. The program allows clients to stay independent and remain in their own homes longer.

Sundail

Stores

Thrifty Foods

Phone Ordering

Yes

Phone Number

+1 (800) 667-8280

Online Ordering

Yes

Website

Website

Areas

Vancouver Island and lower Mainland

From left to right: Alex Jurgensen (16) and Matthew Alvernaz (13), two friends who met at Camp Bowen. Photo by Stuart Davis for the Vancouver Sun

Please note: The following announcement was made at the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind’s Annual Meeting of Members, held on Bowen Island, BC on September 17, 2019.

Announcing Camp Bowen: Linda Evan’s Memorial Music Camp

On August 16, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind unanimously approved the renaming of the Music Camp program to “Camp Bowen: Linda Evans Memorial Music Camp”, in memory of Linda Evans (October 3, 1949 January 3, 2009).

Summer after summer, Linda took great pleasure in volunteering her time at Camp Bowen, where her sing-alongs became a beloved camp staple. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have met Linda always knew that we could count on her to provide a listening ear whenever we needed it.

Among Linda’s many accomplishments, she was instrumental in the creation of Camp Bowen’s original music camp and band camp programs, the latter of which was renamed in her honour in 2008, the last year the program ran under CNIB. Her love of music and vision for what the band camp ultimately became leaves a lasting legacy that will continue on to touch future generations.

As we approach what would have been Linda’s 70th birthday on October 3 and in preparation of officially reopening the program in 2020, we are renaming the program to remember the strong, courageous, and compassionate woman who was taken from us way too soon and who’s vision and legacy will live on to inspire new generations of blind, low vision, and Deafblind musicians at Camp Bowen.

Camp Bowen: Linda Evan’s Memorial Music Camp will join Camp Bowen: Adult Camp on the 2020 summer camp roster.

Camp Bowen: Linda Evan’s Memorial Music Camp 2020 is designed to bring together low vision, blind, and Deafblind youth ages eight to eighteen on Bowen Island, BC, to learn the basics of playing musical instruments, build peer support networks, have fun, and gain confidence. Campers will explore the beginner band curriculum and will participate in an end of camp concert that their families, friends, and the Bowen Island community will be invited to attend. Giving campers skills and confidence in music fundamentals means campers can go on to take part in school band and community music programs. Camp Bowen staff are very pleased to be once again working alongside volunteers from the West Vancouver Youth Band to provide this exciting program.

Taken in 2018 at the Camp Bowen pub night fundraiser at Moose's Down Under in Vancouver, this staff photo features the Board of Directors of the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired. From left to right: Alex Jurgensen, Jessica Gladysz, Jocelyn Gladysz, Peg Mercer, Sara Batt, and Aedan Staddon.

If you haven’t got your tickets yet for Camp Bowen’s pub night fundraiser on October 5th, it isn’t too late!

The Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind (formerly the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired) in partnership with the CCB Friends of Camp Bowen Chapter will be holding a pub night fundraiser with a 50/50 draw, door prizes, and other fun activities. You can find full details at: campbowen.ca/events/.

When

Saturday, October 5, 2019 – 6:00 pm to 9:00pm

Where

Moose’s Down Under, 830 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Tickets

$20.00 per person – Includes choice of hamburger, chicken, or veggie burger with fries or salad, beer, wine, or soft drink.

You may purchase tickets online at:
www.campbowen.ca/tickets/

Or by calling:
+1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102

You can also purchase tickets at the door on the day and time of the event but we need you to get in touch with us first if possible. The above phone number is a great way to do that but you can also use any other method found on:
www.campbowen.ca/contact/

In order for us to be able to give Moose’s Down Under an accurate number of people attending, please order your tickets no later than October 2. Thank you!

Proceeds will benefit future summer camp programs being planned for blind, visually-impaired, and deaf blind Canadians of all ages.

Questions or Assistance

If you have any questions about our event or require assistance to get to the venue, please let us know by phone at: +1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102 or by email at:

From left to right: Alex Jurgensen and Aedan Staddon after volunteering at the sixth annual Handloggers Half Marathon on Bowen Island, BC. It was taken on the causeway, just past the finish line. Photo credit: Ali Osborne.

At Camp Bowen, it is very important to us to be part of local events and to give back to our home community of Bowen Island. On August 31, 2019, Alex Jurgensen and Aedan Staddon represented Camp Bowen as volunteers to the sixth annual Hand Loggers Half Marathon, marking the second year in a row that Camp Bowen has provided volunteers to the event. Together with the rest of the event’s volunteers, Alex and Aedan directed the more than 130 runners that took part in the half marathon, offering encouragement and support at the Cardena Dr. turnoff onto the trail and at Aid Station 3, located at Camp Bow Isle.

“I’m glad to be able to support the community at the Handloggers Half Marathon,” says Staddon. “It was nice to be able to help people and see the runners.”

We would like to congratulate the organizers of the Handloggers Half Marathon for raising approximately $4000 towards the Bowen Island Trail Society and Akili Preparatory School this year.

Taken in 2018 at the Camp Bowen pub night fundraiser at Moose's Down Under in Vancouver, this staff photo features the Board of Directors of the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired. From left to right: Alex Jurgensen, Jessica Gladysz, Jocelyn Gladysz, Peg Mercer, Sara Batt, and Aedan Staddon.

The Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind (formerly the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired) in partnership with the CCB Friends of Camp Bowen Chapter invites you and your friends to join us for an evening of fun at our Pub Night!

When

Saturday, October 5, 2019 – 6:00 pm to 9:00pm

Where

Moose’s Down Under, 830 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Tickets

$20.00 per person – Includes choice of hamburger, chicken, or veggie burger with fries or salad, beer, wine, or soft drink.

You may purchase tickets online at:
www.campbowen.ca/tickets/

Or by calling:
+1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102

You can also purchase tickets at the door on the day and time of the event but we need you to get in touch with us first if possible. The above phone number is a great way to do that but you can also use any other method found on:
www.campbowen.ca/contact/

In order for us to be able to give Moose’s Down Under an accurate number of people attending, please order your tickets no later than October 2. Thank you!

Proceeds will benefit future summer camp programs being planned for blind, visually-impaired, and deaf blind Canadians of all ages.

Questions or Assistance

If you have any questions about our event or require assistance to get to the venue, please let us know by phone at: +1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102 or by email at:

Who We Are

The Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind is a federal not-for-profit organization that operates the Camp Bowen summer camps, independent living skills training and outreach programs benefiting people who are blind and Deafblind. It also facilitates the Bowen Island Accessibility Group, a program for people with disabilities on Bowen Island, BC.

We look forward to welcoming you at our pub night.

The Camp Bowen Team

Transit/Walking Directions

Moose’s Down Under at 830 West Pender in Vancouver
is located on the south side of Pender between Howe and Hornby Streets

If Exiting Skytrain At the Granville Station

1. Get off at Granville station.
2. Exit the station at the Dunsmuir entrance which is just by the Keg on Dunsmuir.
3. Once outside the entrance, turn left and walk a short distance to the southeast corner of Granville and Dunsmuir.
4. Turn right (north) to cross to the north side of Dunsmuir Street and walk north a block to Pender.
5. Turn left (west) and cross Granville Street.
6. Walk west along the south side of Pender and cross Howe Street which is the next block.
7. Continue walking west along Pender for about 1/3 block.
8. The entrance to Moose’s Down Under has stairs going down on the right as you turn in off the street.

If Taking a Bus North on Granville

1. Get off the bus at Dunsmuir.
2. Walk north to the corner and follow directions 4-8 above.

If Exiting the Skytrain At Burrard Station

1. Turn left (north and go a short distance along Burrard to Dunsmuir.
2. Cross Dunsmuir to the north side.
3. Turn right and cross Burrard to the east side.
4. Turn left (north) and walk north on Burrard to Pender.
5. Turn right (east) on Pender and walk east to Howe which is the next block.
6. Cross Howe Street and walk about a half a block to Moose’s Down Under.

If you wish to be met by the Dunsmuir entrance of Skytrain or outside Moose’s Down Under, please let us know by calling:

+1 (604) 947-0021 Extension 102.